…The accepted Western view of sciatic pain is that it can travel straight down the buttocks or travel along the lateral side of the thigh and leg. In this case, the pain traveled down the buttocks. I make this point to demonstrate how point selection is different for these two scenarios. The direction by which the pain travels gives me indication on both the Meridian affected and, thus, the points that will be selected.

Because the pain travelled straight down his buttocks, I determined that selecting points on the “sister” meridians of the Leg Tai Yang was most appropriate. His left side was most affected. Due to this, I decided to select Acupuncture points on the arm Tai Yin meridian, on his right wrist.

I mentioned how Mirror Imaging is a very important concept when treating Pain in TCM. I will discuss the history and concepts behind this technique in future blogs. Right now, I ask you to just appreciate that many times I will treat the opposite side of where the pain is. I will also select points on the “sister” channel(s) that are located according to this concept of “Reverse Mirroring”.

In this case, I selected acupuncture points primarily on the Arm Tai Yin channel on the right wrist and forearm. Again, these were the points selected in the first treatment. Obviously, as the pain travels to different areas on the Meridian, the point selection will change.

I also must point out that the points I select are not right where an Acupuncture point is located. Many times, I needle points that are called Ashi points that correspond to the where the pain is located when I palpate the affected Meridian(s). I’ll usually probe the areas on the Meridian(s) that I’m treating to see which points are most sensitive.

I am happy to report that by using these techniques, the patient’s sciatic pain greatly improved and the improvement was sustained.